(Tehran _ MRUD News) _ In an interview with the Ministry's news agency, Taraffo reported a remarkable surge in national transit activities during the first half of the Iranian year, with transit volumes reaching 10.4 million tons. Of this total, 9.3 million tons were transported by road, while 1.1 million tons were moved via rail, marking an impressive 60% increase compared to the same period last year.

He stressed the significant rise in the transit of both oil-based and non-oil products over the past year, noting that the transit volume for the first half of the year equaled the total recorded for the entirety of the previous year.

Taraffo highlighted the vital role of border crossings as gateways for cargo transit, pointing out that over 90% of transit occurs via national roadways. This underscores the importance of these crossings in facilitating cargo transport.

"The Ministry of Roads and Urban Development is tasked with the development and organization of these crossings" Taraffo reiterated the necessity for reforming border processes and enhancing physical infrastructure to advance transit and ease cargo movement, which remains a key focus for the Ministry.

To streamline operations, he advocated for enhanced coordination with neighboring countries and the establishment of joint facilities, including the electronic exchange of transport documents and truck specifications, as well as customs documentation. In the rail sector, electronic document exchange is essential for ensuring uninterrupted passage with minimal delays, thereby increasing the efficiency of cargo transport.

Furthermore, Taraffo outlined the Ministry's strategy to foster collaboration with neighboring countries through joint cooperation committees aimed at facilitating the electronic exchange of transport and customs documents. This initiative is designed to enhance transit volumes smoothly and without interruptions, effectively minimizing existing barriers and accelerating the movement of goods at borders.

In conclusion, Taraffo reiterated that to tackle procedural challenges and develop border infrastructure, the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development will utilize existing resources to foster necessary coordination among border agencies. He stressed the importance of transitioning structural communications among border entities to electronic systems, as this approach will maximize border coordination and significantly reduce existing barriers.